Final answer:
A partial solar eclipse occurs for individuals in the penumbra of the Moon's shadow, where only part of the Sun appears covered by the Moon. Unlike a total solar eclipse, a partial eclipse is seen by people in a broader region and requires eye protection for safe observation.
Step-by-step explanation:
A partial solar eclipse occurs for people who are located within the penumbra of the Moon's shadow. When the Sun and Moon are aligned in such a way that the darkest part of the Moon's shadow, called the umbra, touches a small area of the Earth's surface, a total solar eclipse is visible from that area. However, a larger area of Earth's surface falls within the penumbra, a lighter shadow where the Sun is only partially covered by the Moon, resulting in a partial solar eclipse. During this event, the sky darkens slightly and the Sun appears to have a dark shadow cast by the Moon on a portion of its surface.
The phenomenon is beautifully depicted in diagrams and descriptions such as Figure 4.21, which illustrates the appearance of the Sun and Moon from different positions in the Moon's shadow. The occurrence of partial solar eclipses is more common than total solar eclipses because the penumbra covers a larger area than the umbra, allowing more people to experience the partial eclipse. It is crucial to remember that viewing any solar eclipse requires proper eye protection to prevent eye damage from the Sun's rays.